Light-responsive control mechanism



LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANI SM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet l Qnmmtors Cittorneg Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER El AL2,213,212

LIGHT RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANI SM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 2 E Q) znvenfo rs: o

Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET AL 2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-$heet 3 Ihwentors I (Ittorneg Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET AL2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 3nnentcr Gttorneg Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET AL2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 5 ZSnventozs ttorneg Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET ALLIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 6 Snnentors HMO! In P 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET AL 2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 7 2 lnnentors 164% e 4 2 1 (P A 0 166 92 1*} 42%., J6 163 gv ma 67 (zizouxeg Sept. 3, 1940. w. D. FOSTER El AL LIGHT-RESPONSIVECONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 1 &249 250 2/56 255 Zhmentors Gttorneg P 1940- w. D. FOSTER ET AL 2,213,212

LIGHT -RESPONS IVE CONTROL MECHANI SM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 9 0 Zinventors Z70 m 1: W I MM B 0 I o www" (Ittorneg Se t.3, 1940.

Original Filed April 28, 1926 W. D. FOSTER El AL LIGHT-RESPONSIVECONTROL MECHANISM 13 Sheets-Sheet 10 p 1940. w. D. FOSTER ET AL2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet l1 Snventors Sept. 3, 1940.

W. D. FOSTER ET AL LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original FiledApril 28, 1926 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 ,mfny 1212- 3nnentors p 1940- w. D.FOSTER ET AL 2,213,212

LIGHT-RESPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Original Filed April 28, 1926 13Sheets-Sheet 1'3 3nventors attorney Patented Sept. 3, 1940 UNITED STATESLIGHT-RE SPONSIVE CONTROL MECHANISM Warren Dunham Foster, WashingtonTownship,

Bergen County, N.

J., and Earle L. Parmelee,

deceased, late oi Pittsburgh, Pa., by Peoples- Pittsburgh Trust Company,executor, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignors, by direct and mesne assignments,to Kinatome Patents Corporation, Ridgewood, N. J., a corporation of NewYork Original application April 28, 1926, Serial Divided and thisapplication January 12, 1934, Serial No. 706,437

52 Claims.

The present invention is a division from our copending application,Serial Number 105,159, filed April 28, 1926, which matured on January16, 1934 as i United States Patent Number 1,944,024.

In our parent application, we illustrate our invention as applied to afilm handling apparatus, but it will be understood that it can beapplied to any apparatus in which web, strip or band material is fed,different portions of such material having different light transmittingor light reflecting characteristics.

In our parent application we disclose and claim film handling apparatusall of the operable parts of which, and, if desired, those of anassociated apparatus, are controlled by means which are responsive tolight from the film or workpiece. Such operable parts include amongothers a continuously operating motor, continuously operating deliveryand taking-up members, means for intermittently advancing the film fromthe delivery member to the taking-up member, means for properlypositioning the film in relation to the intermittent advancing means,means for compensating for the difference in character of movement ofthe continuously operating delivery and taking-up members, and theintermittent advancing means, means for re-winding the film, and meansfor stopping the film predeterminedly as for showing still pictures.Apparatus as described and claimed in our parent application includeslight-responsive automatic control means for carrying out each and/orall of the threading and subsequent operations which may be performedupon the film or other strip material. Our parent application alsodiscloses means for reducing the speed of the motor and the amount ofthe light reaching the film in appropriate relation to each of theoperations which is about to be performed or is being performed upon thematerial. Concomitantly with the operation of each of the partsnecessary for the automatic control of the threading and subsequentoperations of the principal apparatus we show and claim in our parentapplication means for operating an associated apparatus such as a soundreproducing means, advertising sign, radio device, or the like.

In our parent application we broadly claim means for reducing the motorspeed and the light intensity and also specifically claim means forplacing extra resistance in the motor circuit and a heat shield forreducing the light. In the present application we claim the use of otherspecific means for slowing down the motor and for reducing the light,these specific means being particularly useful in connection withchanges in operating conditions as stated above. The specific devices ofthis character which we claim herein are a brake for the motor and meansfor placing resistance in the circuit of the light source. We claim eachand both' of these devices in combination with the various operableelements of the main and associated machines and also independentlythereof in certain aspects.

In our parent application we claim in various combinations broadly thereduction of the speed of the driving mechanism and specifically theintroduction of resistance into the motor circuit. In the presentapplication we claim specifically the application of braking means tosaid driving mechanism. Therefore it should be understood that theinterpretation of brake or braking means in the claims herein should notbe taken to include the introduction of resistance into the motorcircuit, claims to that species of our invention having been made in ourparent application. P

In this and in our parent applications this invention is illustrated asapplied to a fully developed automatic film handling apparatus in whichall of the operable parts are controlled by light from the film. It isto be definitely understood, however, that the invention is alsoapplicable to less fully developed apparatus in which only a portion ofthe above described operable parts are automatically controlled bylight-responsive means.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide improved meansfor controlling the speed of operation of a material handling apparatusin appropriate relation to the operation to be performed upon or by thematerial handled thereby. A related and important object is to provideimproved means for controlling the light reaching a film in appropriaterelation to such operation. A further object is to carry out the twopreviously recited objects by means responsive to light transmittedthrough or by the material or film.

An object of the present invention is to provide a braking device for apower driven apparatus which can be effectively operated by one meansconcomitantly with the operation of a control mechanism for theapparatus by other means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connectionbetween control mechanism for a machine and a braking device whichbrings about the operation of the braking device upon initial operativemovement of the control mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for securingthe application of a braking device to a motor drivingly connected to anapparatus for a predetermined period during the operation of a controlmechanism for the apparatus and for releasing said braking deviceautomatically concomitantly with the completion of operation of thecontrol mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a film handlingapparatus which includes an electric light source, means responsive tolight from said source passed through or by a film for varyingresistance in the circuit of the electric light and thereby changing theintensity of the light itself.

Another object of the invention is to provide a braking device for anelectric motor driven apparatus which can be effectively operated byelectro-magnetic means concomitantly with the operation of a controlmechanism by other electric means for controlling changes in workconditions of the apparatus.

Another object of our invention is to provide for use with a powerdriven machine operating on a work-piece, control mechanism actuable bylight directed from a source on one side of the work-piece across thework path thereof to a light responsive element on the opposite side ofthe work-piece.

It will be readily understood as the description proceeds that 'thepresent invention may be practised on widely varying types of apparatus.The drawings forming a part of the present application show, forillustrative purposes only, part of the apparatus disclosed in ourparent application.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention willappear as thedescription proceeds and from the attached drawings and the subjoinedclaims. Although we are showing only one embodiment of our invention asa whole it will be understood that we are not limited to this particularconstruction as changes herein may be readily made, without departingfrom the spirit of our invention and the scope of our broader claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a right side elevation of the machine, certain parts of thelamp housing being broken away;

Figure 2 is a left side elevation of the machine;

Figure 3 is a partial right side elevation broken away to show actuatingparts in film threading position;

Figure 4 is a partial left side elevation broken away to show actuatingparts in film threading position;

Figure 5 is a cross section on the line VV of Figure 2 looking in thedirection of the arrows;

Figure 6 is a partial view taken on the line VI-VI of Figure 1 showingthe right side only to illustrate a portion of the gate;

Figure 7 is a partial bottomplan view showing actuating levers in normalintermittent projection position;

Figure 8 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in stillprojection" position;

Figure 9 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers in filmthreading or changing position;

Figure 10 is a partial bottom plan view showing actuating levers inrewind position;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one form of controllingcircuit which may be utilized in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner of stopping theoperation of the apparatus in the event of failure of the light source;

Figure 13 is a View similar to Figure 12, illustrating a similar controloperable in the event of breakage of the film;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a form of controleffective for signaling or actually eiiecting the initiation orcessation of an incidental operation;

Figure 15 is a detail view on an enlarged scale of a portion of .a film,illustrating-one manner in which any of the controls herein referred tomay be obtained, such control being efiected by specially treating thefilm in the space usually provided between adjacent pictures;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15, showing the manner ofobtaining similar results by a special edge marking of the film;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figures 15 and 16, illustrating stillanother form of film marking operative in accordance with the presentinvention;

Figures l8, l9 and 20 are views similar to Figures 14, 15 and 16,respectively, but illustrating exactly the reverse of the conditionstherein shown;

Figure 20' illustrates still another type of film;

Figure 21 illustrates diagrammatically a form of controlling circuitsimilar to that of Figure 11, but in which the light sensitive elementsare normally subjected to light;

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one form of control inwhich the speed of the feeding mechanism is automatically reduced bymeans of a brake;

Figure 23 is a view, largely diagrammatic, showing means for varyingeiiective light intensity without the use of a heat shield;

Figures 24 and 25 are diagrammatic views illustrating difierent forms ofmechanisms for insuring the shutter stopping in the desired position forstill projection; Figure 24 illustrating a mechanical control and Figure25 a magnetic control;

Figures 26 and 27 are detail elevational and sectional viewsrespectively of a modified form of shutter positioning;

Figure 28 is a partial front elevational view of a gate showing one formof window or aperture;

Figure 29 is a vertical sectional view on the line XX[XXXIX of Figure28;

Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 28, illustrating a modified formof aperture;

Figure 31 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a modified embodiment ofthe present invention illustrating one means of control operating underpredetermined tension conditions in the film;

Figure 32 is a detail view, largely diagrammatic, illustrating meanswhereby cessation of operation of the driving motor may be utilized tocontrol certain circuits or produce predetermined results.

Figure 33 is a wiring diagram of the motor and light circuits of theapparatus; and

Figure 3'4 is a combination of Figures 11 and 22.

In carrying out the present invention there may be provided an apparatuscomprising a supporting base B having mounted thereon a lamp andresistance containing housing H and a supporting frame F upon which aremounted the is adapted to be positively driven simultaneously.

with the feeding movement for coiling or taking up the film as required.

The film itself is preferably' carried in a combined storage andexhibiting protector comprising a pair of containers 4 and 5 having apivotal connection 6 whereby the containers may be relatively separatedto a predetermined extent to expose the desired length of filmtherebetween. Lug members 4"and 5' are secured to the frame and helphold the containers 4 and 5, respectively in operative position in theapparatus. This construction may be substantially as disclosed and Calclaimed in the United States Patent No. 1,440,173, granted December 26,1922 to Herbert George Ponting and George William Ford, or may be of anyother desired construction. If desired, conventional open reels may beemployed.

The lower spindle 3, which will hereafter be referred to as the drivingspindle, is journaled for rotation in a suitable bearing 1 in the frameF. The back of the frame is formed with an enlarged boss I through whichthe spindle extends, and beyond the boss there is secured to the spindlea combined brake drum 8 and friction driving member 9. The drivingmember 9 has a friction surface ||J with which is adapted to cooperate asecond friction member II in the form of a disk. The disk H and thedriving member 9 are preferably held in frictional engagement by meansof springs |2 carried by the member 9 and bearing against the diskthrough the medium of an annulus l3, the springs being held under thedesired tension and the annulus being maintained in position byadjusting screws I 4.

Projecting rearwardly from the disk H is a driving lug |5 adapted to beengaged by a clutch hereinafter described in detail by means of whichthe driving spindle 3 may be frictionally rotated. Projecting upwardlyfrom the base B in spaced relation to the frame F is a bearing bracketI6 carrying a bearing I! for a shaft I8 extending in alignment with thedriving spindle 3. Secured in any desired manner to the shaft I 8 forrotation therewith is a worm wheel l9 adapted to be driven by a wormsecured to a horizontally positioned driving shaft 2| located in therear of frame F. This shaft at its forward end is mounted in spacedbearings 22 carried by the bracket I5 and is connected to a drivingmotor M through a flexible coupling 23 of any desired or usualconstruction. By reason of this mechanism, it will be apparent that whenthe motor M is operated the shaft I8 Will be positively driven throughthe worm and wheel before referred to. For transmitting this rotationalmovement from the shaft l8 to the spindle 3 at will there is provided asleeve 24 secured in any desired manner to the inner end of the shaft I8and having slidably mounted thereon a collar 25 from which project pins26 slidable through the enlarged end 21 of the sleeve 24. By moving thecollar 25 to the right as viewed in Figure 5, the pins 26 are pro jectedinto the path of travel of the driving lug I 5 whereby a drive ispositively transmitted to the v to the driving spindle 3 in drivingspindle. This clutch will hereinafter be referred to as the drivingspindle clutch.

The spindle 2, which will hereinafter be designated the rewindingspindle, is mounted similarly the frame F, and has secured to its rearend a brake drum 29 from which projects a pin or lug 30. Extending inalignment with the rewinding spindle 2 is a shaft 3| suitably journaledin a bearing 32 carried by a bracket 33 illustrated as secured to theframe F. Mounted on the inner end of the shaft 3| is a sleeve 34 havingan enlarged end 34' through which project pins 35 carried by a collar 36and constituting a rewinding clutch similar in construction andoperation to the construction of the driving spindle clutch. Uponmovement of the collar 36 to the right as viewed in Figure 5, the pins35 will be brought into the path of travel of the pin or ing 30 wherebythe rewinding spindle 2 may be operated for effecting a rewinding of apreviously displayed length of film.

For driving the shaft 3|, it may vconveniently have secured thereto apulley 31 in line with a similar pulley 38 mounted on the outer end of astub shaft 39 secured in the bracket l6. Also mounted on the shaft 39 isa spur gear 40 adapted to be driven by a similar, but preferably largergear 4| on the outer end of the shaft l8. By

passing a suitable belt around the pulleys 31 and 38 it will be apparentthat the shafts l8 and 3| may be simultaneously rotated by the motor M,the shaft 3| preferably rotating at a higher speed than the shaft l8,and that rotative movement in turn may be imparted by either of theseshafts tothe respective spindles with which they are in alignment bysuitable operation of the controlling clutches.

Mounted on the frame F adjacent the motor M and preferably on the frontside of the frame is a gate section 42 preferably secured in any desiredmanner as by screws 43 against movement relatively to the frame. Thissection is preferably formed with an aperture 44 through which light maybe projected as well understood in the art, and with a film guidingdepression 45 extending lengthwise of the section, and intersecting theopening 44, for the travel of the film. Cooperating with the section 42is a relatively movable section 46 preferably guided by outwardly fromthe section 42, and secured to one end of a gate opening rod 48 slidablethrough a suitable opening in the gate section 42 and a suitable bearing49 on the frame F. By reason of this construction, it will be apparentthat when the rod 48 is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 1, it willbe effective for moving the section 46 away from the section 42 topermit the removal of a film and the insertion of a new film, whilemovement in the opposite direction will bring the sections intocooperative relationship.

For effecting the desired intermittent feeding motion of a film inposition in the gate, there may be provided a rotatable feeding sprocket50 having film engaging teeth 5| positioned to enmounted the cam andstar wheel 54, and at.

a bearing 28 carried by i a pin 41 projecting its opposite end journaledin a suitable bearing 51 carried by a bracket 58 projecting rearwardlyfrom the frame F.

Mounted loosely on the shaft 56 adjacent the 5 opposite end thereof is apulley 59 adapted to be rendered operative at will by a. clutch collar52. The clutch collar is normally urged in such direction as to be infrictional driving engagement with-the pulley 59 by means of a spring 63abut- 19 ting at one end against the bottom of a spring receiving recessformed in the collar and at the other end against a shoulder 64 on aspring sleeve 66 secured in any desired manner to the shaft 56 forrotation therewith. Secured to the shaft 5 58 outside of the pulley 59is a hub 61 carrying a shutter 68 for operation as well understood inthe art. The hub Gland the shoulder 64 take all of the thrust exerted bythe spring 83 whereby the shaft 56 as a whole is relieved from any endthrust.

Secured to the end of the driving shaft 2|, and preferably substantiallyin line with the pulley v59 is a pulley 89 around which may pass a belt10 for driving the pulley 59 from the drive shaft.

By reason of this construction, it will be apparent that with thefriction surfaces 88 and 6| in engagement rotation will be imparted tothe shutter shaft 58 from the driving shaft 2|, this rotation beingeffective not only for operating the shutter but also for obtaining thedesired intermittent operation of the film feeding sprocket.

Cooperating with the sprocket 58 and normally occupying the positionillustrated in Figure l of the drawings, is a stripping and protectingshield I! carried by the inner end of a pin 12 supported in a suitablemanner by a bearing 13 constituting part of the fixed gate section 42.Also secured to the shaft 12 is a pinion 14 with which meshes an arcuaterack 15 having a pivotal 0 mounting l6 and operated simultaneously withthe operation of the gate rod 48 by means of a pin ll projectingoutwardly from the gate opening rod and engaging a slot 18 in anextension 19 of the arcuate rack. With the construction a justdescribed, movement of the gate opening rod to the left as viewed inFigure 1 for the purpose of opening the relatively separable gatesections, will effect rotation of the rack in a counterclockwisedirection as viewed in this figure, thereby rotating the shield in aclockwise direction. This rotational movement of the shield will beeffective for engaging the film f and stripping the same from thesprocket preparatory to the removal of the film from the apparatus. Itwill remain in this position covering certain of the teeth of thesprocket during the application of a new film or during rewinding,whereby the threading operation of the film is greatly expedited or thefilm protected during rewinding. 6 For further assisting the threadingmovement, the relatively fixed gate section 42 is provided with aprojecting guide 88 having a generally curved contour for graduallyfeeding the film over the fixed'gate section, the guide having adownwardly curved and inclined lower end 8| for insuring passage of thefilm over the sprocket and an upwardly inclined and curved upper end 82for the purpose hereinafter more fully set forth. The frame F also hassecured thereto a secondary guide member 83 positioned in spacedrelation to the guiding member and adapted to extend substantially inalignment with the inner face of the movable gate section when it hasbeen moved to open position, whereby the 15 film is effectively guidedinto P sition between these gate sections. The member 83 has a curvedlower end 84 having a function corresponding to that of the curved end82 of the guide member 80, and described in detail hereinafter.Projecting downwardly from the lower end of the 5 movable gate sectionis a pair of spaced guide fingers 85 curved generally to conform to thecurvature of the sprocket 59, the space between these fingers beingsufficient to accommodate the teeth 5| of the sprocket. These guidescooper- 10 ate in a manner, as will be readily apparent from thedrawings, to permit a film to be positioned between the gate members bymerely moving the same laterally relative to its normal direction totravel through the gate. This greatly lessens 15 the time required forthreading new film into position, and enables the operation tobeperformed satisfactorily by an unskilled operator.

In order to entirely obviate the necessity of manually producing slackor loops as heretofore 0 required, there is provided a tension controlmeans of the general character set forth in the application beforereferred to and in Bundick and Proctor application Serial No. 44,482,filed July 18, 1925, now Patent Number 1,944,022. This 25 tensioncontrol preferably comprises braking means automatically operated by thefilm, and comprising an upper brake 86 cooperating with the brake drum29 on the rewinding spindle 2 and a lower brake 8'l cooperating with thebrake 30 drum 8 on the driving spindle 3. The upper brake 86 is carriedby a brake lever 88 having a pivotal mounting 89 on the frame F at therear thereof and having secured to its opposite end a film guide 90projecting forwardly through 35 a suitable opening 9| in the frame F.The lower brake 81 is in turn preferably carried by a curved lever 92secured to a plate 93 loosely surrounding the boss I on the frame Fwhereby the plate as a unit may be rotated around this boss. At itsopposite end the curved lever 92 is provided with a film guide 94projecting forwardly through a suitable opening 95 in the frame F.During the feeding of a film through the apparatus all of the partsoccupy the position illustrated in Figure 1 while during the threadingof a film 45 into position or the removal of the film from theapparatus, the parts occupy the position illustrated in Figure 3. Inthis latter position it will be noted that the guide 94 occupies such aposition with respect to the curved lower end 84 of 50 the guide member83 as to insure the passage of a film upwardly around the guide 94automatically upon lateral movement of the film, while the guide 9|]occupies such a position with respect to the upwardly inclined curvedupper end 82 of the guide member 88 as to insure passage of a film overand around the guide 98 by the operation referred to. The lever 88 isnormally swung in such direction as to cause the brake 88 to contactwith the drum 29 by means of a spring 96. Due to the action of thisspring, the brake 86 normally tends to prevent too free rotation of therewinding shaft and thereby prevents the formation of an undue amount ofslack. In the event, however, of not sufficient slack, the tension onthe film causes the lever 88 to move in opposition to the action of thespring 88, thereby relieving the braking action of the brake 86 to acorresponding extent and again produc- 70 ing the desired amount ofoperating slack or loop with a resultant desired tension on the film.

The lower brake 81, on the other hand, is normally so positioned as toexert no appreciable braking action on the drum 8. In the event, u

however, of undue tension on the film between the feeding sprocket 50and the reel carried by the driving spindle 3, the film will beeffective for swinging the lever 92 in such direction about its pivotalmounting 91 on the plate 93 as to bring the brake 81 into more effectivebraking engagement with the drum 8. Due to the fact that the spindle 3is driven from the motor through a friction drive, this braking actionwill be effective for decreasing the driving force on the spindle 3, andconsequently will relieve the tension on the film and produce thedesired operating conditions between the sprocket and the lower reel. Inthis manner the required tension on the film to insure proper feeding isautomatically produced by the mere threading of the film into positionand is automatically maintained by the operation of the tension orbraking mechanism. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat if desired compensation for the difference in character of movementof the continuously operating delivery and taking up members and theintermittently operating member therebetween may be secured by means ofthe conventional continuously operating sprockets with their unsupportedloops of slack film.

In order to make it unnecessary to utilize any considerable portion ofthe film for titles or legends, which are obviously adapted forso-called still projection, the apparatus is adapted periodically tooccupy a position in which this still projection can be obtained.Preferably, the film, by means of the light transmitted thereby, will beeffective for automatically controlling the change in operatingconditions of the apparatus to effect projection in motion, or stillprojection, the interval of time devoted to the actual still projectionbeing entirely automatically produced, preferably by the film and lightresponsive mechanism controlled thereby.

When the apparatus is utilized for this socalled still projection ofpictures, titles or legends, or during the threading or rewinding of thefilm, it is necessary to provide means in the path of travel of thelight rays for protecting the film against danger of injury by reason ofundue temperature conditions. For effectively shielding the film duringsuch period, there is provided a trap or shield 98 carried by a shaft 99having its upper end journaled in a bearing I projecting from the frameF and having its lower end suitably journaled in the supporting base B.This shaft is adapted to be periodically and intermittently operated inaccordance with the character of operation of the machine for bringingthe shield positively into position when the apparatus is operating forthe still projection of pictures and to throw it out of position for theprojection of pictures in motion.

While the present apparatus is not necessarily limited to any particularfield of use, it is especially intended either for use in advertisingfor the successive showing of a length of film or for use by persons whomay be unskilled in the art. With this dual purpose in view, it isdesirable not only to provide for automatic control, but also tosimplify the control to as great an extent as possible not only for thepurpose of rendering the operation easier, but for the purpose ofreducing the chances of error in such an operation. For this purposethere is preferably provided a single control member in the form of aknob or button IOI projecting upwardly through an arcuate slot I02 inthe supporting base B. This slot may be so shaped as to provide fouroperating stations designated, respectively, SI, S2, S3 and S4. Thebutton IN is adapted to be moved at will either manually so as to occupyany one of these stations, or automatically so as to occupy any ofstations SI, S2 or $4. With this button at the station SI, therespective parts of the apparatus are in such position as to insure thenormal projection of pictures as usual motion pictures. With the controlbutton at station S2, there is obtained a so-called still orstereoptican projection, the movement of the button from the station SIto the station S2 being effective for disengaging the respective drivingmechanisms which are in operation during the projection of pictures inmotion. With the button in position at station S3, the respective partsof the apparatus are in such position as to permit the positioning of afilm therein or the removal of a film which has just been fedtherethrough. It will be understood that the movement of the button fromstation S2 to station S3 automatically produces the required change inthe operating position of the parts. With the button in position atstation S4, the respective parts of the apparatus are in such positionas to permit rewinding of the film by means of the motor M. The movementof the button from station S3 to station S4 automatically produces therequired change in operating condi tions necessary for such rewinding.This provision of a single control member movable only in apredetermined manner and automatically eiTective upon movement forproducing all of the necessary changes in operating conditionsconstitutes an important feature of the present invention, as it rendersthe control and operation of the apparatus extremely simple andsubstantially without likelihood of error.

The control mechanism actuated either manually by the control knob orautomatically as hereinafter set forth in detail, is to a large extentshown in Figures '7, 8, 9 and 10, inclusive, and diagrammatically inFigure 11, which illustrate in succession the change in the position ofthe parts of the control mechanism by movement of the control buttonsuccessively to the respective stations, and the circuits by means ofwhich the desired movements are produced. This mechanism may comprise alever I03 keyed or otherwise secured to the lower end of a brake releaserod I04 having its lower end journaled in any desired manner in the baseB and its upper end journaled in a bearing bracket I05. Being secured tothe brake release rod I04 which is capable only of a turning movementabout its longitudinal axis, the lever I03 is restricted in itsmovements to rotation only. Carried by the rotating lever I03 is acombined sliding and rotating lever I08 having adjacent each end a slotI0'I through each of which projects a headed pin I08 by means of whichthe combined sliding and rotating lever is effectively mounted on therotating lever for rotational movement simultaneously therewith andsliding movement independently thereof. At its front end the lever I06carries an upstanding pin I09 having a head IIO provided with aninwardly projecting pin IIO adapted to engage a bayonet shaped slot IIIin the pin I09. By reason of this construction it will be apparent thatthe button may be moved vertically on the pin I09 by a rotative movementthereof so that it may either occupy an upper or a lower position on thepin. At its lower end the button has a collar II3 of a diametersubstantially to conform to the contour of the slot I02 at therespective operating stations, whereby with the button in its lowerposition accidental movement from one of these stations is prevented,while with the button in its upper position the parts are free forautomatic operation independently of any operator.

At a point intermediate its length the combined rotating and slidinglever I06 is provided with a transversely extending recess IId adaptedto cooperate with a pin II5 projecting from a lever II6 which is securedadjacent one end on a control sleeve II1 surrounding a control rod N8,the sleeve and rod extending upwardly through the base B and journaledfor rotational movement in bearings carried by the bracket I6 and by anupper bearing I20 carried by the bracket 33. Adjacent its upper end thecontrol sleeve II1 has projecting therefrom forked operating arms I2Icarrying projecting pins I22 adapted normally to lie in the groove I23of the clutch member 62 on the shutter shaft 56. By reason of thisconstruction it will be apparent that upon rotation of the sleeve H1 ina counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure '7, the clutchmembers and 6| will be disengaged, thereby destroying the drivingrelationship between the main drive shaft 2| and the shutter shaft 56.

At an intermediate point the control sleeve is also provided with asimilar pair of arms I25 having pins I25 normally projecting into thegroove I26 of the clutch collar 25. Rotation of the sleeve in acounter-clockwise direction as just described will be effective throughthe arms I26 for disengaging the driving spindle clutch thereby topermit the driving spindle to move freely in either direction.Engagement of the driving spindle clutch and the shutter shaft clutchwill be efiective for the so-called projection of pietures in motion butthis engagement is not required for still or stereopticon results. Thisoperation of the sleeve H1 is obtained by moving the control button fromstationSI to station S2, or from the position shown in Figure 1 to theposition shown in Figure 8, by reason of the relative movement impartedto the sleeve due to the sliding action of thelever I06.

Pivotally mounted adjacent the side of the combined sliding and swinginglever structure is a friction and positive detent I21. One end of thisdetent has connected thereto one end of a tension spring I28, theopposite end of which is secured to a suitable projection on the base Bof the apparatus. The spring normally tends to swing the detent in acounterclockwise direction about its pivotal mounting as will beapparent from the drawings. This forces the upper end of the detent intofrictional engagement with the sides of the levers I03 and I06, therebytending frictionally to hold the levers in any positionto which they maybe moved.

In changing from the normal projection to the projection of stillpictures, it is also necessary to move the shield or screen 98 intoposition. This is positively accomplished simultaneously or in timedrelation with the rotation of the sleeve II1, through the medium of alever I29, pivoted at its intermediate portion on a stud pivot I30,secured in the base B. At one end the lever I29 has a slot I3I, withinwhich projects the pin II5 on the lever II6. At its opposite end, thelever I26 is pivotally connected to a link I33, the opposite end ofwhich is connected to a crank arm I35, secured to the lower end of theshaft 99. The opposite end of the lever I29 is curved to provide arecess, as clearly shown in the drawings, adapted to permit the desiredoperation of the detent I21 without interference therewith. Through themedium of the mechanism just described, the movement of the lever I06from station SI to station S2 will rotate the lever I26 in suchdirection as to swing the heat shield into light-intercepting position.It will be noted that this movement of the light shield takes placepositively in timed relation to the movement of the operating partsnecessary in obtaining still projection, and thereby eliminates anypossibility of injury to a film from the heat of the light source whilethe film is stationary.

It may be assumed that after the single projection of a film, or therepeated projection thereof, it is desired to change the same, or thatin starting it may be necessary to move the parts of the apparatus intosuch position that a film may be threaded into position therein. Undersuch circumstances, the control button will be moved from station S2 tostation 83. This movement will be effective only for rotating the brakerelease rod I06 and for bringing a recess I31 in the lever I06 intocooperative engagement with a pin I38, projecting upwardly from a leverI39, secured to the lower end of the control rod The lever I39 isnormally held in the position shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 by a tensionspring I60, which may be secured in any desired manner to the base B ofthe apparatus. In this position, the pin I38 will be received.- by theslot I31 when the parts are rotated in the manner described.

At the commencement of the movement from station S2 to station S3, thecombined swinging and sliding lever structure will be moved away fromthe detent I21, thereby permitting it to swing in a counterclockwisedirection under the influence of its tension spring. This movement willbe efiective for bringing the notchedend of the detent into engagementwith the projection I I6 of the end of the lever I I 6, whereby thelever H6 and its associated parts will be held in the proper position.

The rotation of the brake release rodis effective for opening the gatesections of the gate, for moving the tension members 86 and- 81 andtheir associated parts to inoperative position and for so actuatingthestripping and protective shield H as to effect the desired strippingmovement of a film from the sprocket 50 or the shielding of the sprocketto permit the threading of a new film into position. These operationsare obtained by securing to the upper end of the brake release red a pinIsl extending into a slot I92 in one arm of a bellcrank lever I53,having a pivotal mounting IN on the back of the frame F. The oppositearm of the bellcrank lever is in cooperative engagement with one end ofa link I35 movable through a slide or guide I46 and having its upper endbent inwardly to extend over the brake lever 88. Movement of the controlbutton from the station S2 to the station S3 will be effective forrotating the brake release rod I08 in a clockwise direction, as viewedin Figure 9, thereby rotating the bellcrank lever m3 in acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, and consequently,rotating the brake lever 88 about its pivotal mounting 89 in oppositionto the spring 96 for moving the brake 86 to inoperative position.

Movement of the lower tension arm is obtained simultaneously withactuation of the upper tension arm through the medium of a crank leverI41, secured at an intermediate point to the brake release rod. Thiscrank lever has a slot I48 in its free end into which projects adownwardly extending pin I49 carried by the gate control rod 48. Theright hand end of the gate control rod as viewed in Figure 3, isconnected by a link I with the brake lever 92, whereby said brake leverand the gate control rod operate in unison. Movement of the brakerelease rod occasioned by operation of the control button from stationS2 to station S3 is effective for rotating the parts 93 and all partscarried thereby in such direction as to lower the film guide 94 in theslot 95 and bring it into such cooperative relation to the guides and 83as shown in Figure 3, as to facilitate the removal of a film or thepositioning of another film. This movement of the gate control rod willalso tend to separate the gate sections and will move the shield II intostripping and shielding position, as will be obvious.

If it is not desired to change a film, as would be the case inadvertising for example, the control button may be moved from station S3to station S4, or may be moved from station S2 to station S4 withoutstopping at station S3. This movement will be effective by reason of theengagement between the recess I31 and the pin I38 for rotating thecontrol rod I I8. At its upper end, this control rod carries spaced armsI5I, similar to the arms I2I and I24, previously described, and providedwith pins I52, normally lying in the groove I53, in the rewinding clutchcollar 36. The rotation of the control rod II8, as occasioned by themovement of the control button from station S3 to station S4, will besuch as to move the rewinding clutch into operative position, wherebythe spindle 2 is connected in driving engagement with the shaft 3I, thisengagement being such that the film may be rewound by the continuedoperation of the motor M.

During this time, the spring I40 will be held under tension in suchmanner that should an operator fail completely to position the button atthe station S4, the spring will be effective for automatically restoringthe parts to an inoperative position at station S3.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the operation of a singlecontrol button performs in succession the necessary changes in theoperating positions of the various parts for permitting any desiredcondition of operation of the apparatus. Upon movement of the controlbutton from station S4 to station $3, the rewinding clutch will bedisengaged and the lever I39 held in position by the spring I40. Uponmovement from the station S3 to the station S2, the recess I31 willleave the pin I38 and the brake release -rod I04 will be rotated in theopposite direction to that heretofore described.

During this movement, the combined swinging and lever structure willcome into engagement with the detent I21 and swing it in a clockwisedirection against the action of its controlling spring, thereby torelease the projection 6' from the holding action of the detent, andpermit the lever IIS and its associated parts to be subsequently movedas required, upon movement of the control button from station S2 tostation SI. Such movement of the button will swing the lever H6 in theopposite direction to that previously described, and thereby effectre-engagement of the shutter clutch and of the driving spindle clutch.At the same time, lever I29 will be restored to its original position,thereby, in

turn, effecting movement of the heat shield to inoperative position.

Reference has heretofore been made to the adaptability of the apparatusto advertising or other purposes wherein repetitious showing of the filmis desirable, and wherein for practical reasons, it is not feasible tohave an operator in constant attendance. In such cases, the movement ofthe control parts may be automatically obtained merely by moving thecontrol button IOI to its upper position on the pin I09 as beforedescribed. When in this position, there will be no holding or lookingeffected by the button so that all of the parts are free for automaticoperation. Mechanism for this purpose is shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10and 11.

As shown in Figures 7 to 10, both inclusive, one form of mechanism maycomprise a disk I60 having a pivotal or rotative support I6I on the baseB. This disk has secured thereto the pin I09, whereby rotation of thedisk will accomplish the same movement of the control mechanism as iseifected by movement of the button IOI. Such rotation may be obtained byproviding a pinion I62, concentric with the support I 6I Cooperatingwith this pinion is a rack I63, preferably of rectangular or angularcross section, whereby it may be effectively held in the desiredoperating position by means of guides I64 on the base B. Formed in thedisk I60 is an arcuate slot I65 into which extends a stop pin I66,projecting downwardly from the base of the apparatus. The length of theslot is such that it will just permit enough rotation of the disk tomove the I pin I09 from station SI to station S4 or vice versa, the stoppin positively stopping the disk in desired position at these stations.Accidental movement away from these stations may be prevented by theprovision of a comparatively strong tension spring I61, having one endsecured to the disk and the opposite end attached to the base B, thepoint of attachment to the disk being such that after the disk passes amidpoint between stations SI and S4, the spring will be effective forassisting in completing such movement, the spring being placed undergradually increasing tension until such midpoint is reached.

It will be obvious to those skilled in this art that at this time, thespring I6'I will effectively overcome the action of the spring I40,whereby after the button has been moved a distance far enough to efifectthe desired operation of the apparatus, the spring I61 will preventreturn of the parts to neutral position at station S3.

For producing movement of the rack bar I63, it may be constructed eitherthroughout, or may have end portions, of magnetic material adapted toact as cores for the solenoids I68 and I69. As viewed in Figures 7 to10, it will be obvious that energization of the solenoid I68 will beeffective for rotating the disk I60 in a clockwise direction, whileenergization of the solenoid I69 will effect rotation of the disk in theopposite direction. Thus, the solenoid I68 will be effective for movingthe control mechanism from station SI to station S4 to establishrewinding conditions, while the solenoid I69 will be operative at theconclusion of rewinding to re-establish projecting conditions.

The energization of the respective solenoids at predetermined timeintervals may obviously be accomplished automatically in a number ofdifferent ways.

As illustrated more particularly in Figure 11

